LOOKING good is all a matter of taste and those who have it will probably be familiar with Kendal's chic menswear store on the corner of Stramongate and Branthwaite Brow.

But, after 34 years in the town, changes are afoot as David Kerr, owner of the discerning clothing shop of the same name, is swapping the cobbled streets of Kendal for the more exotic climes of Thailand.

"I feel it's time for a change" explained Mr Kerr who, along with his wife Pim, will be departing these shores next month to set up home in Surin, the centre of Thailand's silk industry and a perfect base from which to plan his new business, Contemporary Thai.

"Kendal is such a nice place to live and I'm not emigrating or anything, but I have a home in Thailand and wanted to do something new in an Anglo-Thai situation."

All this seems a far cry from his early days as a travelling tailor.

In 1969, after visiting the well-dressed patrons of various Lake District hotels, Mr Kerr discovered a niche in the local market and set up shop in the lower level of the chocolate shop. A decade later, an opportunity arose to move a few shops down-hill, to the present premises, where he enjoyed a successful period trading from the floor below what was then The Corner Spot cafe.

With the closure of the caf, the premises were renovated and the business expanded to two floors from which fine fabrics, suits and, more recently, casual wear, have clothed the dapper for miles around.

But, despite the departure of David Kerr, new owner Julian Blades should be experienced enough to continue the top-notch clothing service.

"Julian will be good for Kendal," insisted Mr Kerr. "He is a good promoter with strong brands which will take the shop forward."

Jules B opens in the third week of February and will be the sixth addition to the chain of Newcastle-based stores owned by Mr Blades.

Peter McConway, of the Jesmond store, told the Gazette "The new shop will be retaining its status as a provider of quality menswear." And with no major changes in the pipeline, except the addition of some top labels, the menfolk of Kendal have no excuse to be anything but immaculately turned-out.